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Home Remedies for Hiatal Hernias

Top Ten Home Remedies

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which a small part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is the sheet of muscle that divides the chest from the abdomen.

Hiatal hernias are most common in people who are 50 or older and obese. The exact cause of hiatal hernias is still unknown, but weak supportive tissues can be a leading factor.

Other factors include pressure on the stomach and surrounding muscles, age-related changes in the diaphragm and being born with an unusually large hiatus (opening in the diaphragm).

Poor posture while sitting, lifting heavy objects, obesity, excessive smoking and too much stress in life also put you at higher risk.

A small hiatal hernia rarely causes signs or symptoms. However, a large hiatal hernia can cause symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, fatigue, frequent belching and feeling especially full after meals.

Along with medicines, lifestyle and dietary changes as well as simple home remedies can help relieve the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. A small number of cases may require surgery.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for a hiatal hernia.

1. The Warm Water Fix

Drinking warm water first thing in the morning and then performing the following exercise is a good way to help bring down the hernia from the opening in the diaphragm.

Just after waking up, while you are still in the bed, drink a glass of room temperature or slightly warm water. It will help relax the stomach muscles and diaphragm and put some weight in the stomach.

Then, stand up, lift your arms straight out from your sides and bend your elbows so your hands touch your chest. This will help stretch the diaphragm and open up the hiatus.

Next, rise up on your toes as high as possible and quickly drop down onto your heels. Do this several times in a row. This will help the weight of the water to pull the stomach down.

Then, while standing with your arms up, take a few short and quick breaths with your mouth open for about 15 seconds. The panting will help tighten the diaphragm back up and close the hole.

5. Cinnamon

This popular spice helps calm and soothe the stomach. It can relieve abdominal pain and bloating, especially after eating a meal. It also works as a natural antacid.

Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water.

Cover and steep for a few minutes.

Drink this tea while it is still warm, 2 or 3 times a day.

In addition, include cinnamon in your cooking.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural remedy for hiatal hernias. It can soothe an aching stomach, treat heartburn and relax the muscles in the digestive tract.

Mix 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile in a cup of hot water.

Cover and steep for 5 minutes.

Strain and add honey, according to your taste.

Slowly sip a cup of chamomile tea up to 4 times a day, especially between meals.

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural antacid. It can provide quick relief from heartburn, the most common symptom of hiatal hernias.

Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.

Drink it immediately.

Repeat as needed, but avoid drinking this solution in excess.

Note: Avoid this remedy if you have high blood pressure.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural treatments for digestive problems caused by a hiatal hernia. It soothes the inner lining of the intestines and reduces abdomen pain. It also controls heartburn by reducing inflammation.

9. Slippery Elm

This herb is another effective remedy for a hiatal hernia. It helps reduce stomach acidity and alleviate heartburn. In addition, slippery elm has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered slippery elm bark in 1 cup of hot water.

Let it steep for about 10 minutes.

Drink it twice a day, especially after eating your meals.

10. Change Your Diet

When suffering from a hiatal hernia, it is important to keep a close eye on your diet. Keep two goals in mind: 1) avoid foods that trigger or worsen the symptoms, and 2) lose weight, which will lessen the pressure on your stomach.